In Huck Finn both Jim
and Huck have run away; however, the danger lever is much higher for Jim than
Huck. Huck ran away because he was bored and if he was to be found then people
would think of it as a miracle and welcome him back. Jim would be treated much
worse if he was to be found because he is a runaway slave in the south. If
caught, Jim could be beaten, killed, or returned to his owner for punishment
from them. This difference in risk level makes the fact that Huck went into
town to find out information a natural choice because he could disguise himself
and walk around freely, whereas Jim wouldn't be able to just walk around
because of his skin color and the prejudice in the south towards it.
The strangest thing to
me is that Huck does not feel right hiding Jim from his master and protecting
him. I find it amazing how the culture has changed since then, because at this
time African-Americans are seen as property and Huck hesitates to help him. In
the current culture the society is really pushing anti-bullying measures and
awareness for protections. Don't get me wrong, I understand why Huck hesitates
to help Jim, I would hesitate to help a slave at this time because of the
possible punishments to me
; however, I just find
it interesting the difference in current day and the setting of Huckleberry
Finn in regards to helping a friend or acquaintance.
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